Just had to stop by and thank Hobie for building such a cool boat and to Matt for his support and efforts on this forum.

My first AI was bought in 2007 and this new 2012 Dune AI is my 3rd AI.

Sailing this week in pretty strong wind was quite impressive with the new improvements. The rudder was amazing and performed flawlessly. Very responsive. A bigger rudder handle and rudder size resulted in less adjustments while tracking. Before I was constantly making adjustments and trying to keep from overpowering the rudder. That alone was worth the upgrade.

The new mirage drive slots are also a nice benefit. Makes snapping the mirage drive in much more idiotproof. My last 09 AI was annoying to get the mirage drive snapped in without the wobble.

Do you mind if I ask why you have owned 3 AI's. I'm on the verge of purchasing a TI, but one of my concerns is spending close to 6k on a boat that is rotomolded plastic rather than fiberglass. I'm concerned about the lifespan. Did you purchase 3 because the other two were spent?

Actually, my 2009 is in excellent condition and I'm going to keep it around as a second boat. My son just moved back after living in the USVI for 4 years so it will be a good way for us to hang out and fish. There was a warranty problem with the 2007 which Hobie took care of and that's how I switched the 2007 for the 2009.

As I said in my original post ... The AI was one of the best purchases I ever made.